Selling Novelty Lighters Now Illegal In New York State

If you want to fireworks, you have to leave the state. Now, if you want one of those novelty lighters that makes all your friends say, “WHOA! That’s dope!,” you’ll have to leave the state too.

The state Senate passed the measure that will prohibit retailers from selling lighters that make sound effects, flashing lights, or are shaped like cartoon characters or other objects (i.e. musical instrument, topless babes, etc).

James Burnes, president of the NY state Fireman’s Association said:

“Despite their bright colors and stylish designs, novelty lighters are extremely dangerous items that too often land in kids’ hands and, ultimately, lead to tragic, often fatal results.”

A dozen or so other states have passed similar bans. A state-based telephone hotline, err, snitch line, will be set up to report any violations of the law.

Sorry, my fellow New Yorker-ers – you will no longer be able to torch your smoke, gas grill or kindling with a hot dog shaped flame. That’s no fun! WTF, NY????